When choosing proper clothing for Zumba dancing, many people think they must choose between comfort and fashion. However, that is not the case, and I will discuss why in this article. It is possible to look and feel good while dancing Zumba. Further in this article, I will discuss what to wear to Zumba dance classes.
When it comes to Zumbawear, there is no dress code. You can wear regular gym clothes, or you could wear something that “screams” Zumba. I noticed that people wore all kinds of workout clothes during my last Zumba session at my local gym.
People usually try to incorporate their regular workouts while squeezing in Zumba class to burn extra calories and boost that feel-good hormone (serotine). I certainly wasn’t lacking in serotine after my last Zumba session. It was so energetic and fun!
What To Avoid Wearing When Going To Zumba Class
Avoid too tight Clothes
Avoid tight clothes. Have you ever worn something very tight so the lines reflect on your skin? That is not good for your circulation. This morning I went for a workout at my local gym, and after, I jumped into Zumba class. I noticed that my workout pants were a bit too tight, but I didn’t pay too much attention to it because I was in a hurry, and it was my laundry day, haha. And you probably know what that means. It means not many options in the closet, ouch.
I felt my movements were restricted, making it very uncomfortable to move freely. When I got home, deep skin lines happened due to the gym pants being too tight, and it took some time for the skin to look normal.
Avoid worn-out Workout Shoes
Every pair of workout shoes have a specific life span, mainly if you use them a lot. There are a few signs clear signs that will tell you if you should say goodbye to your current pair of workout shoes and purchase a new one.
The two main tell-tale sign is when the treads or designs on the bottom start to wear out and if the bottoms are flattening in areas and you can no longer see the creation of the print.
The main issue with old or worn-out shoes is that they provide less cushioning and shock absorption, resulting in throwing off the alignment of your feet and hurting your knees and hips.
Avoid regular Bras
It is essential to wear a sports bra with proper support for every Zumba class. Not wearing a proper sports bra with enough support can result in upper back and shoulder pain after the Zumba workout.
Also, it can cause the breast tissue to stretch, damaging it and increasing your chances of sagging in the future.
Avoid any jewelry
Jewelry and Zumba dance don’t go together, and you risk losing the jewelry and being annoyed by it. Imagine this: you are doing Zumba working, and a long necklace is hitting you on the face and your chest. You would be just frustrated with it and couldn’t enjoy the Zumba class entirely.
Simply put, leave your precious jewelry for a different occasion because you will be frustrated and might never see it. It is easy to lose things when you have too much fun!
Avoid 100% cotton
Trust me; you must avoid 100% cotton while Zumba dancing because every drop of sweat will reflect on your clothes. After a Zumba class, I like to go for a coffee at a nearby Starbucks or a walk in a shopping mall. Imagine how embarrassing it is to walk around with your bottom wet, haha. So, you can kiss goodbye to any activities after Zumba class because you want to get home as soon as possible to take your clothes off before someone sees you.
Also, cotton absorbs every ounce of sweat, so the more wet clothing is, the more likely bacteria will grow, especially if you wear it for a long time. It can lead to fungal infection if any skin area is exposed to bacteria-filled workout clothes. Opt for sweat-wicking fabrics for high-intensity workouts such as Zumba.
Avoid wearing makeup
Every time I go to the gym, I see at least one girl with a face full of make. I am thinking, “girl, how do you do it? I barely have the energy to drag myself out of the house, let alone putting makeup like I am going out.”
But besides wasting your time putting on makeup that you will need to take off as soon as you finish the workout while showering, there are other reasons why you shouldn’t wear makeup, especially while doing high-intensity exercises, such as Zumba.
Oil and dirt can build up under makeup when you sweat, which results in irritation, promoting acne breakouts. Breakouts make you want to wear makeup, although you don’t feel like it. It is best to wash your face with water and only put on a light sunscreen before going to Zumba class.
Avoid clothes that are too baggy
Baggy clothes can restrict your movement, and your whole Zumba experience will suffer. Also, your Zumba instructor needs to see how your body moves to assess if you are doing it correctly. Baggy clothes will hide your hip movements, so it will be hard to correct you if you are doing something incorrectly.
Have you ever heard someone saying, “oh, I feel so sexy in these oversized clothes?”. Said no one ever! Zumba is a Latin type of dance workout, and as you may know (especially if you have been reading my blogs, wink wink), Latin dances are very sensual. It is better to wear something that you feel good and look good to have a whole Zumba experience.
Exercise clothes today are made to help your body move in a better way.
Why You Should Wear Proper Clothes For Zumba Workouts
Research has shown a direct correlation between what we wear to work out, motivation level, and our performance.
Here are the main reasons why you should wear proper clothes to Zumba classes:
- Prevents injuries. Wearing proper clothes for a Zumba workout can prevent an injury. For example, wearing baggy clothes can result in you getting stuck and falling down while performing demanding and fast-paced Zumba moves. On the other hand, wearing clothes too tight may result in restricted blood circulation and not delivering much needed oxygen to working muscles.
- Regulates body temperature. When doing Zumba dancing, you should always opt for breathable, light, and sweat-wicking fabrics which will pull moisture away from the body, leaving you feeling comfortable and dry. An intense Zumba session will leave you grateful that you didn’t wear cotton clothes, as cotton absorbs sweat easily and retains moisture, leaving you feeling wet and heavy.
- Prevents skin irritation. Cheap and low-quality activewear can contain fabrics that irritate the skin, resulting in itching and rashes during a Zumba workout. Intense Zumba workout can also provoke clogging of your sweat glands, resulting in an itchy heat rash, so make sure you choose breathable and light fabrics that keep your skin cool. High-intensity exercise such as Zumba increases blood flow to your skin, which can also cause itchiness. Dehydration, sweat, and wearing tight clothing prevent your skin from breathing. Washing your workout apparel in harsh detergents also contributes to skin problems.
- Improves performance. The phrase “dress for success” can also be applied when choosing what to wear for a Zumba workout. High-quality fabrics work with your body to improve performance, withstanding the intense training to keep you performing at your best. In terms of performance, comfort is the key. It would be best if you opted for fitness clothing that is designed for your high-intensity activity, aka Zumba.
- Boosts confidence. When you look good, you naturally feel more confident, so investing in good gym activewear makes you feel the part and can help you to feel better in Zumba class and truly conquer a workout. Clothing can be empowering in your daily life, and when it comes to working out, it contributes to our confidence levels and raises self-esteem.
- It motivates you. New workout attire can encourage you to perform better in a Zumba class. Research has shown that approximately 70 percent of people claim that having nice activewear makes them enjoy putting on clothes and helps push them to exercise. When you feel good, your mindset shifts to a place where self-care becomes more important to you. Creating a conscious and positive experience starts with what you see in the mirror daily.
- Improves range of movements. Choosing attire that allows a full range of motion is incredibly important, so when selecting Zumba activewear, pay close attention to the design and tailoring, opting for a seamless kit that won’t irritate or scratch your skin. Lightweight materials and well-designed activewear should feel like a second skin, ensuring you don’t feel restricted while you exercise. Working out in total comfort will allow you to concentrate solely on the task and work out to the best of your ability.
Best Recommendations On What To Wear To Zumba Class
Zumba attire for women can be split into four categories:
- Sports Bras
- Leggings
- Tops
- Shoes
1. Sport Bras
Recommendation # 1
Champion is a great brand and offers high-quality sports bras. Maximum Support Mesh Racerback Sports Bra is built to provide excellent support, stay in place, and last through high-intensity workouts such as Zumba while keeping moisture away to improve your workout experience.
This sports bra is so comfortable that you can wear them all day long. Some sports bras are so tight in the chest area that I need to take them off as soon as I am done with a gym session. However, that is not the case with the Champion sports bra. Their bras will keep you feeling comfortable while providing fantastic support whenever you need it.
I bought this sports bra a while back specifically for Zumba because none of the other bras could give me such support as this one did. Zumba is a high-intensity workout with lots of jumping, and I needed something that would keep everything in place while making me feel very comfortable. And this bra has met all those requirements.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 2
Heathyoga High Impact Sports Bras
Health Hight impact sports bras are built for many high-intensity activities, including Zumba. These sports bras provide excellent comfort. These pullover bras offer more support with wide shoulder racerback and straps.
Heathyoga padded sports bras provide exceptional support and comfort during Zumba workouts. Soft fabrics and seamless structure bring you a very comfortable and smooth experience.
These bras have removable pads that can give you a better shape and push-ups where needed. Depending on your specific day’s needs, you can easily put in or take out these removable pads.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
2. Leggings
Recommendation # 1
When it comes to Zumba dance, you can wear any leggings you would typically wear to work out in the gym.
Raypose is the perfect leggings for a Zumba dance class because of the many qualities these leggings have. These leggings are premium material that hugs your legs and waist nicely for all demanding Zumba moves.
Raypsose leggings are thick enough, so you don’t have to worry about your underwear being see-through. Also, they are breathable enough due to mesh material, have excellent tummy control, and are squat-proof. So all you need to do is trust these leggings entirely and have fun with Zumba dancing.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 2
PHISOCKAT Highwaisted Leggings
These leggings are made from the highest quality opaque materials with a unique sewing craft to make them thick enough to cover everything while not being too hot.
They fit perfectly and are comfortable for many physical activities, including Zumba.
You can have a piece of mind wearing these leggings because they are not see-through.
These leggings are breathable and can quickly absorb sweat from the skin, keeping you dry during exercise. The material feels very soft, almost comparable to smooth wool.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
3. Tops
Recommendation # 1
I like wearing colorful tops for Zumba classes, bringing more energy to the room. Not that Zumba class needs any more energy, haha. Besides esthetics, the workout tops should be comfortable, lightweight, moisture absorbing, breathable, and not too tight but need bulky. Ictive workout tops offer all of those qualities and much more!
The back is made of mesh stitching, looks appealing, keeps air flowing, and keeps you cool while doing Zumba.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Recommendation # 2
You probably have noticed mirrors everywhere if you ever went to a Zumba class at your local gym. Usually, I love those mirrors because I can “admire” the Zumba clothing choices I made that day, but sometimes I don’t like to see my belly sticking out, especially if I am wearing a tight top. It is normal to have a little belly even if you are very fit. And sometimes, our belly gets a bit bloated during our menstrual cycle.
This is when the Miusey top comes to the rescue because the banded bottom and pleated front design can hide any extra belly that you don’t feel entirely comfortable with. I find these tops fit amazingly and make me feel and look fantastic.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
4. Shoes
I have talked in many other blogs about what shoes are best for Zumba dancing. Always opt for shoes that have a pivot point. What is the pivot point, you may ask? Pivot points are circular patches on the shoe’s sole, and they are located under the ball of the feet that allow you to spin, twist, and turn easily.
Shoes with a pivot point for Zumba dance are essential because the pivot point allows you to glide across the floor effortlessly while providing natural movements. They let your feet twist and turn to the beat of the music without injuring yourself.
For the recommendation for Zumba shoes with pivot, check out the blog “Best Zumba Shoes With Pivot Point.”
For your quick reference, here is an example of Zumba shoes with a pivot point.
Zumba Attire For Men
Zumba attire for men can be split into three categories:
- Tops
- Bottoms
- Shoes
1. Tops
Under Armour Men Workout Shirt
A plain workout shirt will be good enough for Zumba dance. Under Armour has a great selection of workout shirts for men that suit workouts, such as Zumba. Zumba exercise will make you sweat, so you need a shirt absorbing excess sweat while being lightweight and breathable.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
2. Bottoms
The best option when going for a Zumba workout is to wear shorts. Shorts will make you more comfortable, and you won’t feel that your movements are restricted. These shorts are loose, light, and will keep you cool; they are everything you need.
Under Armour offers a wide variety of shorts in different colors and shapes. Under Armour fabrics are quick-drying, ultra-soft, and have a more natural feel, and the material absorbs sweat and dries fast.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
3. Shoes
When it comes to Zumba workout, you can wear regular workout shoes that you usually wear to the gym. Shoes with pivot points would be an excellent choice, but it is tough to find pivot point workout shoes for men.
The pivot point shoes will easily help you turn and twist during Zumba dancing.
There’s nothing to dislike about these shoes. They fit impeccably, give you the proper support, are highly comfortable, and are great for Zumba and many other workouts.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
How To Wear Your Hair For Zumba Class
You should avoid wearing your hair down when doing a Zumba workout. Wearing your hair down during Zumba can be uncomfortable, extra sweaty, and accumulate sweat on the tips of your hair, causing potential damage. Products can also more easily sweat into your skin, causing blocked pores.
Additionally, wearing your hair down during Zumba dance can be very annoying. The hair would get into your face none stop, and you would be distracted from the workout because you would be focused on getting the hair out of your face.
I always opt for having my hair up by tying my hair into a bun while doing Zumba dance.
Final Words
A couple of things are assured when you give your all in a Zumba class. For one, you will have a great time and look forward to your next Zumba class. With those things in mind, you want to be as comfortable as possible when dressing for each Zumba session. That means wearing items that will allow you to move freely while growing your self-confidence. If you aren’t feeling good about what you’re wearing, it will be hard to engage yourself in the Zumba experience entirely.
